California Highway Patrol
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is spotlighting new public safety laws set to take effect on January 1, 2026, following approval by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
One notable change is Assembly Bill 486, which makes it illegal to possess specific burglary tools with intent to commit burglary, punishable by up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine.
In electric bicycle safety, Assembly Bill 544 mandates rear reflectors or lights on electric bikes at all times, with an online safety program available for minors who violate helmet laws.
Senate Bill 586 defines off-highway electric motorcycles and requires helmets and identification plates for these vehicles.
Assembly Bill 382 allows local authorities to reduce school zone speed limits to 20 miles per hour until 2031, enhancing pedestrian safety.
Assembly Bill 289 introduces a work zone speed safety system pilot program using radar or laser systems to detect and photograph speeding vehicles for citation.
Assembly Bill 390 expands the “slow down and move over” law to include maintenance vehicles with hazard lights.
The CHP remains dedicated to ensuring community safety with these legislative updates.
Grace Ritz is a multimedia journalist at NewsWatch 12. You can reach Grace by emailing gritz@kdrv.com.